Harlequin Duck

“Harlequin ducks are one of my favorite duck species. I love the way they look. Every January I make a point to go to Barnegat Lighthouse State Park, where many congregate in the winter.

“This photo was taken at the end of a day of shooting, just as I was about to pack up. The light was getting low and this duck was looking squarely away from me. I set up my tripod and composed the image to highlight the beautiful patterns on his back. It was the only shot I took of this pose.”